CHAPTER XII.
The Holy One in Zion.
IT was probably to this prophecy of Isa. xii. that Jesus referred when he spoke to the woman of Samaria of the “ living water,” which, said he, shall be to him that drinks it, “a well of water springing up into everlasting life ” (John iv. 14). To this also he appears to have referred on the last day of the feast of tabernacles in Jerusalem (John vii. 37-39). The Jews had a custom of drawing water from the pool of Siloam, and pouring it mixed with wine upon the sacrifice on the altar. The rejoicings on these occasions were so enthusiastic that they became proverbial, so that it was said: "He that never saw the rejoicing of drawing of water, never saw rejoicing in all his life.” The Jews grounded the custom on Isaiah xii., and while, like their ancestors (Isa. viii. 6), “refusing the waters of Shiloah,” made ritual use of the literal waters with great external show. So “in the last day of the feast Jesus stood and cried saying, If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this,” says John, “he spake of the spirit which they that believe on him should receive.”
This twelfth chapter in effect shows them in this exalted position. Zion praises God because His anger is turned away and He comforts her. The prophet declares “ Behold God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid : for Yah, Yahweh is my strength and my song, he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” When Yahweh is become Isaiah’s salvation, it will mean that all who have “ thirsted ” for that salvation are satisfied by Immanuel with that “ living water ” of which he spoke. Those
who received the spirit in the days of their flesh, and testified of him, having tasted of the powers of the age to come, will then receive it above measure ; for he says, “ that which is born of the spirit is spirit.”
“ In that day,” the prophecy continues, “ shall ye say. Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord for He hath done excellent things, this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout thou inhabitant of Zion ; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.”
Thus ends the section (chs. vii.-xii.) that has been called “ the book of Immanuel.” It begins with the spectacle of an idolaÂtrous king (Ahaz) on David’s throne in Zion, and ends with the Holy One of Israel enthroned there in glory. It opens with an Ephraimite and Syrian confederacy to upset the “ everlasting covenant,” and subvert the chosen dynasty; and ends, after the lapse of many centuries, with " the sure mercies of David ” triumphantly revealed.
The promise of Immanuel to the house of David at such a crisis was opportune, and the initial fulfilment of it has been before the world for nineteen centuries. Judgment has come upon Judah and upon Assyria as the prophet foresaw, and yei a remnant has been preserved in Israel—separated as the prophet himself was. Immanuel has been revealed as a Sanctuary ; but as a gin and a snare to Judah and Jerusalem. God still hides His face for a little while longer from the house of Jacob ; but a remnant still waits expectantly for the turning away of His anger. In this attitude they hold on to the law and the testimony as the prophet did, and are not slow to expose the darkness of those who do otherwise.
The land is still desolate; but many centuries ago that “ great light ” arose in Galilee of the nations, and the dawn of “ his day ” is now almost breaking; when “ the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” The crash of arms still resounds through the world; but beyond the further turmoil of the “ war of the great day of God Almighty,”
his people confidently look to him as “ Prince of Peace.” The briers and thorns ” of Israel have been consumed by succesÂsive judgments of devouring fire; but Israel has not ceased from being a nation before God ; and the days of restoration and of the second exodus manifestly draw near.
Zion still sits in widowhood, and still further desolation by the word of God awaits her ; but “ Hail to the brightness of Zion’s glad morning ” may almost be said to have become a national refrain in these last days; and certainly among those of her children in the isles of the Gentiles the hope grows brighter and brighter, as with fear and trembling they seek to work out their salvation that they may be accounted worthy of a place under the Holy One of Israel in the midst of her.
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